Join The Texas Photography Festival for a unique pop-up event on Saturday, September 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the George H.W. Bush Library and Museum in College Station! Hear behind-the-scenes stories from two photographers during Bush's time in office — our founder and Bush's presidential photographer, David Valdez, and U.S. Air Force and "Thunderbirds" photographer, Chris Allen. Both speakers will recount stories and share photos of their extraordinary time of service in the White House during Bush's administration. Also, be sure to bring your camera, as attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a Photo Walk led by David Valdez in and around the Bush Library grounds starting at 1 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the entire Library at a discounted rate after the Pop-Up event.

David Valdez 
A photographer for various federal government agencies, David became the Chief Photographer for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce before becoming Vice President George H. W. Bush's photographer. After Bush became President, David became the Director of the White House Photo Office and personal photographer to the President of the United States. In 1993, he became General Manager of Photography for the Walt Disney Company, and later returned to D.C. as an Assistant to the Secretary at Housing and Urban Development. Currently living in Georgetown, Texas, David is active on the Williamson Museum Board of Directors, serves as Board Chairman for the City of Georgetown Arts and Culture Board, hosts The Texas Photography Festival, and tours the country as a professional speaker.

Chris Allen
While serving on active duty in the U.S. Air Force as a military photographer, Chris Allen was selected for presidential service at The White House as a member of the White House Communications Agency photo lab during the administration of President George H.W. Bush. The assignment culminated a military photo career that included high profile assignments in the U.S. and Europe, including as the aerial photographer with the U.S. Air Force "Thunderbirds" jet demonstration team. Chris is currently retired in College Station, Texas, where he serves as a docent at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum and volunteers digitizing the library's photographic collection from the Bush administration.

The Texas Photography Festival, who is supported by The Williamson Museum, held a Pop-Up event during the 18th annual Pioneer Days at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock, Texas. We had a great turn out and the weather was just perfect for the day. Check out photos from the event below! All the photos were taken on an iPhone 12 using the TinType app — except for the group photo of the photographers, which Tom Canvess took on his 8x10 view camera and processed the glass plate immediately after he took the photo! Thanks Tom for the great photo, and thank you to everyone who came out to this TXPF Pop-Up event.

This past weekend, photographers from across the state bundled up and braved the cold for the first, ever pop-up photo fest event in Bartlett, Texas. The collaborative event hosted by the Williamson Museum, the Texas Photography Festival, and the Texas Historical Society, featured three compelling speakers from Linda Nickell's Happiness Hour — Tricia Zeigler, Bridgett Piernik-Yoder and Egidio Leitao — plus, a handful of historical reenactors depicting Bartlett businessmen and women, bankers, and cowboys. Sandwiched between the vintage facades of Bartlett's cobblestone Clark Street, more than 60 participants hunted for angles and edges while capturing images, exchanging stories, and enjoying coffee and coco from our Bartlett business hosts, the Urban Bartlett Event Center and the Bartlett Lumber Yard.

A special thank you to all who helped orchestrate this unique event—and to our wonderful participants for taking the time and trekking the distance to join us on Saturday. Check out our gallery below for event images from David Valdez and photo fest staff, plus follow our hashtag #txphotofest and Instagram page @tx_photofest as we share images from all who attended.

The Texas Photography Festival and the Williamson Museum are teaming up for a pop-up event in Bartlett, Texas, on Saturday, January 20, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Yes, it will be cold outside but there will be hot cars and outstanding photography speakers inside the beautiful historic buildings of Bartlett. Linda Nickell's Happiness Hour will showcase three Texas-based photographers who will share stories and insights from their experiences. Come out, bring your camera, and discover the town of Bartlett during this unique experience.

We are excited to announce that the Georgetown Texas Photography Festival  has a new name. Welcome to The Texas Photography Festival co-hosted by David Valdez and the Williamson Museum in Georgetown,Texas. The Texas Photography Festival will be held March 16,2024 in beautiful Georgetown,Texas. We will be expanding what we offer over the past 4 years and hope to continue to grow in the future. Follow us at tx_photofest and Facebook

The 2023 GTX Photo Festival is only days away! Make sure you're ready for a day of FREE FUN with the following information: 

• Photo Walks — There will be 2 photo walks this year, one at 9 AM and the other at Noon. Both will be led by Emmy Award-Winner Todd White. He will bring models for both outdoor photoshoots and teach participants how to create stunning portraits with various lighting scenarios. Each CLASS SIZE IS LIMITED TO 25 people and is FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED by signing up IN PERSON, DAY-OF at the Williamson Museum.

 

• Photo Classes — Head to the Georgetown Library to hear from 5 top photographers as they share images, stories, and helpful tips with the audience. From night photography to street photography and anything in between, these classes will ignite inspiration and allow you to ask questions. Check out our full list of speakers and topics! Classes DO NOT REQUIRE REGISTRATION and are free and open to the public. 

 

• Featured Photographers — We've handpicked 10 top photographers to display their images in various shops around the Georgetown Square. To commemorate Williamson County's 175th Anniversary, each photographer will have at least 3 images shot IN the county! Look for the large camera decal located outside of each participating business or check the map to find out who is located where! Each photographer will be available to answer questions and share their story from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Make sure you stop by all locations for inspiration and networking opportunities!

Do you want a behind-the-scenes look at the GTX Photo Festival? Join us this year as a volunteer! You’ll be instrumental in helping our featured photographers set up and/or take down their photo displays, stand-in for the artists during lunch and short breaks, and answer general questions to the public about the festival. Plus, you’ll receive a free Photography Festival t-shirt for helping out! Don’t miss this great opportunity to be a part of the festival. Email Hayley today at [email protected]. 

The Georgetown Texas Photography Festival is excited to announce the featured photographers for the 2023 festival, to be held on Saturday, March 18!

​​Alyce Bender
Cheri Freeman
Charlie Favret
Amy Jasek
Nick Light
Markus Lindsey 
Rebecca Moran
Bebe Perez
Andy Sharp
Carol Whitney
Jon Fischer
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We're also thrilled to once again partner with the following downtown Georgetown businesses to showcase this year's photographers:

Artisans Connect Gallery
Black Sugar Caffe
Foundry 42 Coffee and Gifts
Georgetown Visitor Center
Handcrafts Unlimited
Kenz Guitars
Lamppost Coffee
Mesquite Creek Outfitters
River and Ranch Provisions
Williamson Museum
The Escape Fine Crafts and Gifts
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Be sure to check out our @gtx_photofest Instagram page and our Georgetown Texas Photography Festival Facebook page as we highlight each photographer and their images ahead of the festival!
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